Debt Collection in Tunisia: A Strategic Solution for Foreign Companies

02.01.2025,Debt Collection in Tunisia: A Strategic Solution for Foreign Companies

If your business is facing outstanding debts from Tunisian companies, banks, or private individuals, Tunisia offers a clear legal framework for recovering these debts. With a well-defined process governed by Tunisian law, foreign companies can efficiently pursue debt recovery, ensuring that their financial interests are safeguarded. The legal system provides strong guarantees for debt collection, allowing creditors to take action through both extrajudicial and judicial means.

Thanks to the expertise of specialized debt collection lawyers, foreign entities can navigate the complexities of the Tunisian legal system, which ensures the enforcement of financial obligations. Whether through asset seizure, wage garnishment, or court judgments, the Tunisian legal framework supports the swift and fair resolution of outstanding debts. By working with experienced attorneys well-versed in Tunisian debt recovery law, foreign businesses can secure their rightful payments, minimizing risks and maximizing the chances of successful debt collection.

Tunisia's legal infrastructure, combined with professional legal counsel, provides foreign creditors with the tools they need for effective debt recovery. The process is designed to protect your interests while ensuring compliance with Tunisian regulations, allowing you to recover your debts in a timely and cost-effective manner. 

Debt recovery in Tunisia is not just a possibility, but a process grounded in law, offering foreign creditors peace of mind and a reliable path to securing outstanding payments.

How long can a debt stay in collections?

In Tunisia, a debt can remain in collections for as long as it remains unpaid. The statute of limitations for most debts is generally 15 years according to the Tunisian Civil Code, which means that creditors can pursue collections within this period. However, this limitation may vary depending on the type of debt (e.g., commercial vs. consumer debts) and whether the creditor has taken action to preserve their rights, such as filing a lawsuit.

I am a resident abroad; can I collect debts from a debtor in Tunisia without relocating?

 International debt recovery is possible. Tunisia has international agreements and mechanisms for debt recovery, including the mutual recognition of court judgments through bilateral agreements. Creditors can legally pursue debtors effectively if they have moved abroad or are located overseas, especially in trade exchanges between Tunisian companies and foreign companies.

Can debts be chased abroad?

Yes, debts can be pursued internationally if the creditor is able to initiate legal action in the country where the debtor resides. Under certain conditions, foreign or Tunisian creditors can collaborate with an international law firm in Tunisia to recover debts in Tunisia or across borders.

What happens when a debt is collected?

 When a debt is successfully collected in Tunisia, the creditor can either receive payment directly . If the debt is not voluntarily paid, the creditor may request the court to order an asset seizure or other legal enforcement actions. This is governed by the Tunisian Civil Code and other specific laws related to enforcement of financial obligations.

What happens to debt if debtor leave the country?

If a debtor leaves Tunisia, the debt remains enforceable under Tunisian law. However, the creditor may need to engage in international debt recovery procedures to collect the debt across borders. Tunisia’s involvement in international legal agreements, such as the Hague Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments, may allow creditors to enforce judgments internationally,